By John Ogunsemore
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and human rights advocate, Senator Shehu Sani have demanded the release of human rights activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore.
This is contained in separate statements released by SERAP, CUPP and Sani on Thursday.
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Sowore was detained on Wednesday after honouring an invitation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
In its statement shared on Facebook, SERAP said Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and drop all charges against him.
The civil society organisation also said the Nigerian police must end the persecution of the Sahara Reporters publisher solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.
“Sowore’s arbitrary detention constitutes a violation of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.
“The Nigerian Constitution and these legally binding human rights treaties unequivocally prohibit arbitrary detention,” SERAP said.
It added that no one should ever be arrested or detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their constitutionally and internationally recognised human rights, including the right to freedom of expression.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Peter Ameh, CUPP described Sowore’s arrest as unjust and a “disturbing misuse of police power”.
CUPP warned against turning an institution meant to protect Nigerians into a tool for oppression and personal vendettas.
“We strongly condemn the arrest of Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian Police, an act that flouts Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and share ideas without interference,” it said.
CUPP affirmed that the Nigerian Police Force owes Nigerians a clear explanation for Sowore’s arrest.
Demanding Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, CUPP stated, “Denying him his right to bail is indefensible and further exposes the misuse of authority to silence dissent.”
In an X post, Sani said Sowore’s incessant arrest and detention is unconscionable.
He added, “His right to freedom of speech and protest should be respected in line with the constitution of our country.
“If there is anything he says that is not true,it should be countered with alternative facts rather than resort to arrests.
“Everyone knows Sowore as a non partisan and non aligned vanguard, who spares no one when it comes to expression of his views or position.”
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